A person does not have to be a nature lover to appreciate the beauty that surrounds the state of Arkansas. With waterfalls abound, foothills and mountains with amazing views, and botanical gardens that will make a person feel like they have stepped out of the real world and into a story book, Arkansas has a way of turning even the largest nature hater into a gazer and gawker.
Of course there is more to do in Arkansas than just gaze at the beautiful landscapes. There is fun for everyone. Whether a couple is planning a romantic getaway or planning a vacation for the entire family, Arkansas needs to be on the top of their list of things to see and do. (Links supplied for your convenience.)
1. Brown's Country Store and Restaurant - Benton, AR **(Unfortunately this is no longer an option as the restaurant has since closed)
If home cooked food is what you are yearning for, Brown's Country Store is the place. It boasts at having a 100 foot country style buffet that lives up to it's reputation. The atmosphere is reminiscent of being down on the farm.
The food itself is amazing. Pair it with a wall of celebrity photographs and a two story country store, where a person can buy anything from rock candy to quilts and it becomes a must do event when traveling through Arkansas.
2. The Old Mill at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park - North Little Rock, AR
Who doesn't love free scenery? The Old Mill is a must see if you are traveling through Arkansas. It is a little off the main road, but the beauty that surrounds it is astonishing. Even though the mill was never an actual working mill at the location it was built, the parts inside and the grist itself were part of a real working mill from the 1800's. .
If a person is a romantic at heart, it would be a wonderful place to pop the question or even have a small wedding ceremony. The mill itself was in the opening credits of Gone With The Wind.
3. Greatful Head Pizza- Hot Springs, AR
Want to try some local brew or maybe take a tour around the world. This place has some of the best options for craft beer lovers around. The pizza however is why this place is so good. They have so many options to choose from.
5. Bathhouse Row Winery - Hot Springs, AR
If local wineries are your niche, Bathhouse Row Winery will make you a happy person. Go prepared however as the free wine tasting has over twelve wines to choose from, all from Arkansas vineyards. Don't forget to tip your host as she graciously pours your way through Arkansas. Their sister store, The Winery, is not on the main strip, but is also totally worth the trip to visit as the Arkansas Wine Museum is inside. They have a larger selection to choose from as well.
6. Superior Bathhouse Brewery - Hot Springs, AR
Craft beer brewed from the natural hot spring water from deep below Hot Springs creates a crisp flavor to all of the brews. The atmosphere is lovely inside this turn of the century bath house turned brewery. Get a flat of four and sample your short list or a flat of 30 and try them all. Growlers can be purchased on site or bring your own.
7. Garvan Woodland Gardens and Anthony Chapel - Hot Springs, AR
This botanical garden has miles of beautiful fauna to walk and hike through. Butterflies of all kind as well as birds and Koi fish are abundant all over. There are surprises around every corner. There is even a hidden cave behind a waterfall. There is a children's garden as well. Look around for the Tooth Fairy as you visit the fairy garden and during the holidays, the park is decorated all over.
Anthony Chapel is glass cathedral nestled inside the gardens. With the first glance through the trees, it literally takes your breath away. The architecture is quite exquisite. Imagine a wedding in a fairytale wonderland in a glass cathedral.
8. Fat Bottomed Girls Cupcake Shop - Hot Springs, AR
If you have a sweet-tooth this is the place to curb your craving. The shop owners competed on The Food Network's Cupcake Wars and a person needs only to try one of their cakes to understand how they were picked for the show. The cupcakes are moist and delicious. With cupcake flavors like Ooey Gooey Buttercake and Crème Brulee, how can anyone resist?
9. Crater of Diamonds State Park - Murfreesboro, AR
Try your luck at finding a real diamond in the only public diamond mine in the US. The mine is an 11 acre volcanic crater. The work is hard but, finding a real diamond would be worth it. Bring a wagon and any tools you already have or rent a tool kit for the day. If it rains before you go, it can be quite muddy. However, sometimes diamonds are found on top after a rain without even having to dig. I do recommend watching videos on the mine before you go.
If camping is your thing, the state park has 52 sites available. There are also several small hotels available in town, but if staying in Hot Springs, it would be a great day trip as it's only an hour away.
Although there are many other beautiful places in Arkansas to visit, there is so much to do it would take a lifetime. Do however make Arkansas a destination on your travel list, because you will not regret it.
1. Brown's Country Store and Restaurant - Benton, AR **(Unfortunately this is no longer an option as the restaurant has since closed)
If home cooked food is what you are yearning for, Brown's Country Store is the place. It boasts at having a 100 foot country style buffet that lives up to it's reputation. The atmosphere is reminiscent of being down on the farm.
The food itself is amazing. Pair it with a wall of celebrity photographs and a two story country store, where a person can buy anything from rock candy to quilts and it becomes a must do event when traveling through Arkansas.
2. The Old Mill at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park - North Little Rock, AR
Who doesn't love free scenery? The Old Mill is a must see if you are traveling through Arkansas. It is a little off the main road, but the beauty that surrounds it is astonishing. Even though the mill was never an actual working mill at the location it was built, the parts inside and the grist itself were part of a real working mill from the 1800's. .
If a person is a romantic at heart, it would be a wonderful place to pop the question or even have a small wedding ceremony. The mill itself was in the opening credits of Gone With The Wind.
3. Greatful Head Pizza- Hot Springs, AR
Want to try some local brew or maybe take a tour around the world. This place has some of the best options for craft beer lovers around. The pizza however is why this place is so good. They have so many options to choose from.
5. Bathhouse Row Winery - Hot Springs, AR
If local wineries are your niche, Bathhouse Row Winery will make you a happy person. Go prepared however as the free wine tasting has over twelve wines to choose from, all from Arkansas vineyards. Don't forget to tip your host as she graciously pours your way through Arkansas. Their sister store, The Winery, is not on the main strip, but is also totally worth the trip to visit as the Arkansas Wine Museum is inside. They have a larger selection to choose from as well.
6. Superior Bathhouse Brewery - Hot Springs, AR
Craft beer brewed from the natural hot spring water from deep below Hot Springs creates a crisp flavor to all of the brews. The atmosphere is lovely inside this turn of the century bath house turned brewery. Get a flat of four and sample your short list or a flat of 30 and try them all. Growlers can be purchased on site or bring your own.
7. Garvan Woodland Gardens and Anthony Chapel - Hot Springs, AR
This botanical garden has miles of beautiful fauna to walk and hike through. Butterflies of all kind as well as birds and Koi fish are abundant all over. There are surprises around every corner. There is even a hidden cave behind a waterfall. There is a children's garden as well. Look around for the Tooth Fairy as you visit the fairy garden and during the holidays, the park is decorated all over.
Anthony Chapel is glass cathedral nestled inside the gardens. With the first glance through the trees, it literally takes your breath away. The architecture is quite exquisite. Imagine a wedding in a fairytale wonderland in a glass cathedral.
8. Fat Bottomed Girls Cupcake Shop - Hot Springs, AR
If you have a sweet-tooth this is the place to curb your craving. The shop owners competed on The Food Network's Cupcake Wars and a person needs only to try one of their cakes to understand how they were picked for the show. The cupcakes are moist and delicious. With cupcake flavors like Ooey Gooey Buttercake and Crème Brulee, how can anyone resist?
9. Crater of Diamonds State Park - Murfreesboro, AR
Try your luck at finding a real diamond in the only public diamond mine in the US. The mine is an 11 acre volcanic crater. The work is hard but, finding a real diamond would be worth it. Bring a wagon and any tools you already have or rent a tool kit for the day. If it rains before you go, it can be quite muddy. However, sometimes diamonds are found on top after a rain without even having to dig. I do recommend watching videos on the mine before you go.
If camping is your thing, the state park has 52 sites available. There are also several small hotels available in town, but if staying in Hot Springs, it would be a great day trip as it's only an hour away.
Although there are many other beautiful places in Arkansas to visit, there is so much to do it would take a lifetime. Do however make Arkansas a destination on your travel list, because you will not regret it.
